Tips removing the fan clutch

DrScrub · 03-12-2006, 04:11 PM

1991 325i

Does anyone have a suggestion on how I can break the bolt free on the fan clutch? I am trying to change my timing belt

Stand from the front of the car, I would turn the bolt CLOCKWISE. I read to give the wrench a quick jerk, but each time that I do this, the entire apparatus moves (the belt connecting to the alternator).

Yurick · 03-13-2006, 08:59 AM

Doc,
There is a special fan clutch pulley holding tool, which would help. You could probably pick one up for $20 - $25.

Jared at Pelican Parts · 03-29-2006, 08:46 AM

I have the tool you need, PM me

bertible · 03-30-2006, 06:51 PM

If like me, you realize the need for a tool on a Sunday afternoon, when you need the car on Monday, then the adage "necessity is the mother of invention" comes into play.

If I'm thinking of the right tool, I had to make one out of a scrap piece of metal. It originated as piece of drilled bracket bar, that was about an 1/8 Inch thick, an inch and a half wide, and I cut it to about 15-18 inches long.

I drilled holes to fit over the heads of two adjacent 10mm bolts that hold the pulley on, and I had to grind one side to curve around the shaft diameter. With the 'tool' over the bolt heads, I could hold the pulley still while untorquing the bolt.

Hannsi · 03-31-2006, 04:35 PM

Wise-grip and a hammer is what I use to take it off

DrScrub · 04-05-2006, 09:43 PM

I simply bought the tool knowing full well that I'll be using it quite often.

But I couldn't believe the Bentley manual didn't fully express this issue when it provided everything else about changing the timing belt.

BUT, the good news is that I managed to do all that as a first timer, along with changing the waterpump, distributor cap, rotors, v-belts, and cleaning much gunk from the engine compartment.

I took plenty of pictures while doing so, I hope to post them up soon to help all those thinking of DIY. I totally recommend so, I do this simply because all independent mechanics I ever went to in the Boston area sucks major rhino b#lls.

bertible · 04-06-2006, 04:48 PM

Pelican's Tech Support page has a good How To article on timing belts, and still had some incredible pics when I did mine last summer. That, and my Bentley, made the job a snap.

This pics must have taken too much disk space, because I saw the article a few days ago and it didn't have the pics. I imagine the full size article is available on request?

jase007 · jase007's Garage

Quote:

BUT, the good news is that I managed to do all that as a first timer, along with changing the waterpump, distributor cap, rotors, v-belts, and cleaning much gunk from the engine compartment.

Good job ...

If you need pics for the T-belt replacement [may have already completed] let me know ... I have a ton of them and I take more every time I replace the belt & tensionner.

Make sure you store the fan clutch upright when removed. Use liberal amounts of anti-seize when reinstalling the nut / clutch. I think it only takes 20-22 ft.lb. of torque anyhow ...

Jase